For first time, Fido can join in the Reeds Lake Run on Saturday

Reeds Lake Run, scheduled for next weekend, will include a run with your dog. Pictured are David Bates and Aubri Kuipers running on Lakeside with their dog Leroy, getting ready for the event.Brian Forde

Despite the growing popularity of local running events, Huntington Reeds Lake
Run organizers are hoping to get 35,000 participants this year to help them
celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Run.

While three decades ago numbers hovered around 500, the Reeds Lake Run has had as many as 2,700 participants, according to race director Sue Perry.

Participants can run or walk a 5K or 10K and for the first
time they can enter with their best friend in what is being called the "Doggie Dash."

The annual event
is set for Saturday, June 29, and steps off at East Grand Rapids High School at
8 a.m. New this year is the addition of
QR bar codes on runners' bibs, which will make results instant.

Also new is the Doggie Dash. The 5-K walk/run begins at
8:15 a.m. "This is new for us, but seems to be gaining in popularity already," said Perry. "We called Shaggy Pines Dog Park and they were so
excited that they agreed to sponsor it." Perry said that they are hoping for at
least 150 dog owners to sign up for the event.

The 5-K course runs through flat residential areas of East
Grand Rapids and the 10K, which steps off at 8:45 a.m., follows the same course,
adding a run on the Reeds Lake Trail around Reeds Lake.

There are age divisions for men and women. Also planned are Kid Races for children ages 3 to
12. The five-race event will be held on the East Grand Rapids High School track
beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The awards ceremony begins 10:15 at John Collins Park. The first
2,800 runners will receive a special 35th anniversary gift and all
registered runners will get a moisture-wicking shirt.

Entry fees vary for each event. Online registration is
available. Packet pick up and late registrations will take place from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Friday, June 28, and 6:30 to 8:15 a.m. on race day, Saturday, June 29, at East Grand
Rapids High School, 2211 Lake Drive, East Grand Rapids.